Black elderberry extract (Sambucus species) has been reported to have been used for years by native Americans, mostly against rheumatism and fever. Sambucol is a natural remedy with antiviral properties, especially against the human influenza virus. Elderberry is used for its antioxidant activity, to lower cholesterol, to improve vision, to boost the immune system, to improve heart health and for coughs, colds, flu, bacterial and viral infections and tonsillitis. Bioflavonoids and other proteins in the juice destroy the ability of cold and flu viruses to infect a cell.

Elderberries have been proven to both boost the immune system and shorten the duration of cold and flu symptoms significantly.At the Bundesforschungsanstalt Research Center for Food in Karlsruhe, Germany, scientists conducting studies on Elderberry showed that elderberry anthocyanins enhance immune function by boosting the production of cytokines. These unique proteins act as messengers in the immune system to help regulate immune response, thus helping to defend the body against disease.Study #1A double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized study.Results:

Sambucol was shown to be effective in vitro against 10 strains of influenza virus

Sambucol reduced the duration of flu symptoms to 3-4 days

Convalescent phase serum showed a higher antibody level to influenza virus in the Sambucol group, than in the control group.

Sambucol is beneficial to immune system activation and in the inflammatory process in healthy individuals or in patients with various diseases.

The results of this study show that all Sambucol elderberry formulations have a strong stimulatory effect on inflammatory cytokine production by human normal monocytes.

The study was not funded in any way by the company which produces and markets the product of Sambucol in Israel.The study can be found here

Study #2Here is another randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study conducted in Norway. Patients received 15 ml of elderberry or placebo syrup four times a day for 5 days, and recorded their symptoms using a visual analogue scale.Results:

Symptoms were relieved on average 4 days earlier and use of rescue medication was significantly less in those receivingelderberry extract compared with placebo.

None of the patients reported any adverse reactions related to the medication. (The same can NOT be said for the flu shot!)

A complete cure was achieved within 2 – 3 days in nearly 90% of the elderberry-treated group compared with at least 6 days in the placebo group.

The results of our study show that elderberry syrup is also effective against influenza A virus infections.

In view of its in vitro and in vivo efficacy on influenza A and B viruses, elderberry extract offers an efficient, safe and cost-effective supplement to the present armamentarium of medications for the prophylaxis and treatmentof influenza.This study can be viewed here

Study # 3 Here is a placebo-controlled, double blind study was carried out on a group of individuals living in an agricultural community (Kibbutz) during an outbreak of influenza B in Panama in 1993.Results

A significant improvement of the symptoms, including fever, was seen in 93.3% of the cases in the SAM-treated group within 2 days, whereas in the control group 91.7% of the patients showed an improvement within 6 days.

A complete cure was achieved within 2 to 3 days in nearly 90% of the SAM-treated group and within at least 6 days in the placebo group.

Considering the efficacy of the extract in vitro on all strains of influenza virus tested, the clinical results, its low cost, and absence of side-effects, this preparation could offer a possibility for safe treatment for influenza A and B.

Sambucol Elderberry Extract and its formulations activate and boost the healthy immune system by increasing inflammatory cytokine production.

The most striking increase was noted in TNF-alpha production (44.9 fold).

Sambucol was shown to be effective in vitro against 10 strains of influenza virus.This study can be viewed here

The elderberry has no known harmful side effects, but the flu shot does

The elderberry syrup works with your natural immune response system, the flu shot does not

Elderberries have been proven to be effective against 10 strains of the flu

Elderberries have been proven to shorten the duration of colds and flu

Elderberry syrup is safe for pregnant women and children over 1 year of age (due to the honey content) (Check with your doc before starting/stopping any health regimen)

The flu shot is even less effective in senior citizens and children under 2 years of age (Those who need it the most! Read more here)

The flu shot has never been tested in pregnant women

There have been reported deaths and serious injuries following the flu shot (Seizures, narcolepsy, convulsions, encephalomyelitis, facial palsy, facial paresis, Guillain-Barré syndrome, hypoesthesia, myelitis, neuritis, neuropathy, paresthesia and syncope just to name a few) Read more here.

The flu mist is a live virus and can spread the flu to others up to 21 days following the application (Isn’t that what we’re trying to avoid!?)